A sign outside the entrance announces the closure of Stanley Park to outside visitors. (CHRIS PUTZ / THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
WESTFIELD – One of the city’s most picturesque landscapes is now under lock and key.
Earlier this week, Stanley Park Director Robert C. McKean announced that one of the city’s most iconic venues would be closed to the public to adhere to the guidelines of political leaders that gatherings of people be severely limited for at least the next few weeks or longer.
“We are doing it for the protection of our patrons and staff,” McKean said.
While most park operations are typically limited in the offseason anyway, additional measures are now in place, such as locking the gates to prevent vehicles from entering the park area, closing all bathrooms, and banning children (and adults) from using the playground.
As of press time, walkers are still allowed to continue their walks through Stanley Park “at their own risk,” McKean said.
“We’re very fortunate what we have here at Stanley Park,” McKean said. “We’re trying to make it last for a lifetime. The community is our family.”
According to McKean, the park will officially open to the public in early May.
